"Let No One Judge You"
Christians are not under the Law.
We are not required to keep a literal Saturday sabbath. In the same way that we do not literally go to a Temple in Jerusalem, or sacrifice an animal for our sins, or practice circumcision, etc., things that were mandatory under the Law (the Jewish religion).
Christians do not keep the letter of the law but rather the spirit of the law (Romans 2:29).
In other words, we do observe a sabbath still, and we still practice circumcision, and animal sacrifice, and we still go to the Temple in Jerusalem---"...in Spirit and Truth" (John 4:23). Let me explain. The symbol of the sabbath is that we are not to "work" for our salvation but rather to "rest". We rest on the work that Christ did on the cross. He gives us "rest" (sabbath means rest). Jesus said "Come unto me all you who labor and are heavy ladened and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28).
Colossians 2:16, 17 states "So let no one judge you in food or drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, which are a shadow of things to come, but the reality is Christ". So the Sabbath was a symbol, a shadow, as was the whole Law (Hebrews 10:1).
Paul, by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, wrote those words. That Paul was referring to the Saturday sabbath can be categorically proven by scripture. Moreover, that Paul was well versed in the scriptures cannot be disputed. Certainly then, the fact that he used these three categories together--that is, festivals, new moons, and sabbaths---is not a coincidence. These three words appear together throughout the Old Testament. And when they do, sabbaths refers to the Saturday sabbath. Therefore, Colossians is also referring to the Saturday sabbath. See, Nehemiah 10:33; Isaiah 1:13-14; 1 Chronicles 23:31; 2 Chronicles 2:4, 8:13; Numbers 28 and 29; Ezekiel 45 and 46.
We practice circumcision (Colossians 2:11); we still offer a sacrifice (John 1:29); we still go to the Temple in Jerusalem (Hebrews 12:22; John 2:19).; we keep the sabbath (Colossians 2:16-17). But we keep these things (the Law) "in Spirit and Truth" (John 4:23).
In other words, we fulfil (or keep) the spiritual meaning of what the Old Testament symbolized.
Being born-again, regenerated by the Holy Spirit and "putting off the flesh" is "circumcision"; Christ crucifixion and death, is our sacrificial lamb for our sins; we are the Temple of God, the body of Christ, and God's Throne is referred to as Jerusalem; Christ's salvation is our rest, our sabbath.
1 Corinthians 1: 18-31 states that it pleased God to save us through the "foolishness" preached. In the Old Testament God had referred to the nation of Israel as a wise nation, that people would see their Laws and refer to them as a wise nation (Deutoronomy 4:6). On the other hand, God predicted that He would make them (Israel) jealous through a "foolish" nation (Romans 10:19). If therefor a wise nation was defined as one with the Law, then of necessity a "foolish" nation would be one without the Law. That foolish nation is christianity. Of course, the Gospel is by no means foolishness, nor are we really "fools for Christ", but in the view of unbelievers, it is, and to them, we are. God's Law is written on our hearts by the Holy Spirit in us, and not on tablets o f stone (2 Corinthians 3:3).
Interestingly, when Noah was born, his father declared that he was the one that would bring them "rest"(Genesis 5:29). This was a reflection of the sentiment then of the expectation of the Promised One, the "seed of the woman", who indeed would bring rest to God's people. We know that Jesus fulfilled that promise. He brought us rest. Remember, the Sabbath is a rest that symbolized the rest Christ would bring. As with the sabbath, we are not to "work" (for our salvation) but "rest" in Christ's salvation. How marvelous is our Lord's Word!!!
There will, of course, be some who will argue with this. But remember it CLEARLY says "Let no one judge you..." And what does that mean? Obviously it means we don't have to observe a literal Saturday sabbath, otherwise why worry about anyone judging us??? In other words, it says "let no one judge you" meaning you are doing something they think is wrong. In this case you are not observing a literal Saturday sabbath. "Let no one judge you".
Also, unfortunately, many people feel a need to "do" something. Reminds me of Cain and Abel. Abel, through the faith he had, offered God an animal sacrifice (which of course symbolized Christ). Cain on the other hand offered God the fruits of his labor. His "works". Apparently he felt a need to "do" something to merit God's grace. God rejected his offering. The fact that Cain later killed Abel shows where Cain's heart was at. Feeling a need to "do" something (works) appeals to the natural man. It makes sense to them. It "feels" right. No wonder then that to them the true Gospel is "foolishness", as it says in 1 Corinthians 1:18, and they try to "pervert" and dilute the true Gospel (Galatians 1:7) to include "works". But Abel knows better. We are saved through faith not works. Rest in Christ alone.
They will retort that we teach a Gospel of faith alone without works. But nothing can be further from the truth. We teach, according to the Word of God, that salvation is by faith alone. But true faith, of course, manifests itself in a changed heart. In other words, as the Bible puts it in Galatians chapter 5, "the fruits of the Spirit", which are faithfulness, longsuffering, kindness, etc. Jesus said you will know them by their fruits. A tree, He said, is known by the fruit it bears. God puts His law in our hearts. We are "born again" (John 3). And we fulfill the law "in spirit and truth".
If you have found free rest in Christ, then you are not working for it, and you are observing the sabbath, in spirit and truth: Christ is your sabbath.
I also wrote another article in this forum titled Election and Predestination.
Please share this with others. All questions whatever, and comments, are welcomed and appreciated.
I can also be contacted at: Mrangelbarreto@gmail.com
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If you love God .. Keep His commandments..
Which includes Sabbaths.. It's Pope who said We don't want to keep the law.. NOT THE BIBLE..
Unfortunately I think we usually go with what we have been taught. But let us examine the scriptures to find all truth.
If Christians don't have to follow the law then you are truly saying that it is ok to sin since the definition of sin in the NT is transgression of the law. 1 John 3:4
Therefore the Sabbath being the 4th commandment still applies. Not only was it a day of rest but it is the only day the father blessed and set apart. It is the day when Messiah himself and also Paul went into the synagogues to teach and read the word.
You also cited Colossians 2 which if you read from the beginning it tells you in verse eight about them not being deceived by vain
Philosophies and TRADITIONS of men.
Also again in verse 22. So he is telling the congregation not to let these people that believe in tradions and commandments of MEN such as worshiping of angels.
Let them not judge them in the keeping of the holy days, Sabbaths , meat and drink
For they ARE a shadow of things to come.
(Notice it does NOT say were.)
But the body of Messiah.
Not but the body is of Messiah
(Is, is in italics in your bible because it was added on by the translators)
From the very beginning years ago when I started studying the scriptures I refused to accept any christian denomination's teachings. I set out to see for myself. And with regard to the topic of the sabbath, it is one, among others, of the questions that I studied extensively on my own. And although the majority of christians understand the sabbath like I do, I was not influenced or "taught" to believe a certain way. I cannot make it any more clearer than what I wrote about the sabbath initially. Some people are going to believe what they want to regardless. And your comment that I am teaching that it's ok to sin is outrageous. All I can advice others to do is try to be objective as possible and faithfully, prayerfully study and let the facts (the Word) lead wherever they do and accept it.
In addition, be wary of false prophets.
By a simple question
Christ taught us how to keep the Sabbath, specifically that any work done to glorify God is ok because it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath
If Christ came and taught us how to keep it, who are you to say it is not to be kept? Is not Christ the Lord of the Sabbath? . We follow all of Christ's actions. I bet you worship on a Sunday, and work on a Saturday
I dont trust the man with his post i guesse could bring in written and proved materials to support the Holy Sabath........but sure need strong directives and teachings
Is anyone of us followed the 10 commandments without fail? I believe, no one as written in the Holy Scripture that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. The Law was given for us to know where we stand in the eyes of God. The purpose of the Law is for us to be aware of our spiritual condition and we need Him, Christ, not by following the human interpretations of the Law. God has already given the way to our salvation, not in the observance of any religious doctrines for it leads you to hell. Please visit my website for more info and meditate on the comtents and ask guidance from Him. Then click the picture on the site for further info and request a free copy of a christian book.
The website: www.remission.weebly.com
The bible said whosoever says they love me and not keep my commandments is a liar. He gave us 10 Commandments to live by. He stated clearly (REMEMBER THE SABBATH DAY TO KEEP IT HOLY), now when someone says remember something it means never to forget. We can't keep 9 Commandments and disregard 1, it was Jesus's custom and it should be ours too.☺
The law is spiritual, did you know that's in the NT? Romans 7:14. Did you know that circumcision of the heart is also found in the OT? What are the 2 greatest commands? Love YAHWEH with pretty much everything you've got, and love your neighbor as yourself. You know Messiah quoted these 2 commands from the OT, and how we show our love is written right along side them, it's to do the Father's will regarding him and others. The Israelites in the desert were not allowed to come into the promised land because they did not believe, please see that you can also read because they did not obey. You see obedience and belief go hand in hand, Abraham believed YAHWEH and LEFT Ur,
Noah believed YAHWEH and BUILT the Ark.
Their actions followed their belief, Messiah
Said when we accept him and his sacrifice we get baptized, another Action with a spiritual message, we DIE that he may love.
If he is living through us, it makes sense that he said walk like walked,He said over and over again I have come to do my Father's will, why is our excuse then, He did it so I don't have to. Scriptures say we who were once gentiles (sinners/ not of the chosen nation/ heathen) have been brought near by Messiah to the commonwealth of Israel. We are adopted Sons and daughters, how can we then remain the same, and count his blood a common thing by remaining what we were. We come in and are Saved and learn as we walk, because we are under grace, but should we then sin because we are not under the law but under grace, Elohim Forbid. We establish the law. Paul's words, sound contradictory don't it since we believe he is the one that says we should no longer follow it. Paul says the law cannot save you, it can only teach you what sin is. But it can't make you obey it. You cannot follow the law and believe your saved by it. An example is a person who gives to charity or does good deeds, that won't help them on judgement day if they refused Messiah. It does NOT mean giving or doing good deeds is now done away with. It means without Messiah no act no matter how great and noble will not get us any closer to salvation. Just like keeping the Sabbath will not save me, but If Messiah walks in me, the fruit of it will be manifested. I will keep it because he did.